Episode Promotional Offer: Mile 40 Listeners receive 40% off a first coaching session with Bishoy. Send an email to bishoy@bishoytadros.com and use the subject "My Comeback Story" to claim the offer. Welcome to Episode 200 of the Mile 40 Podcast! Bishoy sits down with Greg Schaefer, a father, husband, founder, and 21-time Ironman who was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease in his early fifties, for a conversation more than a decade in the making. This milestone episode journeys from Greg’s early years growing up on Long Island and the lessons learned at St. Anthony’s High School, to taking a leap of faith as a 35-year-old founder in post-financial crisis New York. The discussion digs deep into the values of loyalty, hard work, and kindness, and how embracing risk, and calm amidst chaos—propelled Greg from building a successful insurance business through its eventual sale and transition into the world of private equity. Listeners will hear candid reflections on navigating family, leadership, and the importance of a support network—especially his wife, whose unwavering belief proved vital during their formative years and beyond. The episode then turns to Greg’s evolution from collegiate basketball to endurance sports, the mental grit developed through Ironman racing, and how athletics became both sanctuary and proving ground. A turning point emerges with Greg’s diagnosis of young-onset Parkinson’s disease—a moment that shattered and then reshaped his perspective. The conversation delves into the realities of receiving life-altering news, the difficult year of uncertainty that followed, and ultimately, the power of choosing not to be defined by a diagnosis. Greg shares his journey from pain and self-doubt to advocacy, leveraging both struggle and triumph to inspire others with Parkinson’s and beyond. A key theme woven throughout is the idea of being “undefined”: the strength to face adversity head-on, to write your own ending, and to savor the present for all it’s worth. Greg’s wisdom—tempered by humility, humor, and hard-won resilience—offers a blueprint for not only athletes and founders, but anyone searching for meaning in the comeback. Greg is recognized for his grit, empathy, and leadership, both in business and the endurance sports community. He continues to compete, motivate, and advocate—embodying the Ironman ethos that “Anything is Possible.” Through his journey, listeners are reminded that our greatest challenges can unlock unexpected blessings and that loyalty, kindness, and perseverance are the true markers of legacy. Greg's story is built on a simple but powerful idea: some races choose you. Greg Schaefer is a 21-time Ironman finisher, two-time Kona World Championship qualifier, two-time 70.3 World Championship qualifier, CEO, father of two, and someone living with Young-Onset Parkinson's Disease. Diagnosed at age 48 in March 2023, Greg faced nearly a year of uncertainty as the disease robbed him of movement, turned simple tasks into battles, and left him questioning whether the athlete he had been his entire life was gone forever. But in May 2024, after finding the right medication and fighting through months of struggle, he returned to the start line at IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga. He had the worst race of his life by time and the most meaningful finish of his career. His mission is to inspire those living with Parkinson’s, incurable and chronic illnesses and anyone facing unexpected adversity to persevere, keep moving, and never give up. He speaks to corporate audiences about resilience in leadership, to athletes about redefining what's possible, and to families about facing the impossible with courage. More on Mile 40: https:mile40podcast.com/ Instagram: @mile40podcast @bishoy_tadros YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BishoyTadros
